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Gen. Kevin Chilton, former commander of U.S. Strategic Command, recently spoke to Pantex employees and delivered a clear message: “From the bottom of my heart, thank you for what you do every single day.” During the Jan. 26 all hands address, he encouraged employees to be proud of themselves, calling the mission “unique,” “vital” and “special.”

Chilton, who is now working with Consolidated Nuclear Security to support Pantex and Y 12 missions, was at Pantex as a member of a Technical Advisory Board focused on enhancing mission delivery. His talk with employees emphasized the importance of the CNS mission, linking employees’ roles to the broader nuclear deterrent.

“One thing I’m certain of, folks, is that we in this room, our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will absolutely need and depend on every one of you and the work you do to provide security for them and our great country,” he said. “For that and your dedicated and hard work, I thank you again.”

And he noted that more work will be coming to Pantex and Y 12 as nuclear weapons work ramps up in the coming decades.

“The cycle is picking up right now, and it’s picking up fast. There is a tremendous amount of work to be done, and there are those who doubt we can do it,” Chilton said. “And then there are those like me who are counting on folks like you to make it happen because we have to make it happen. It’s just so important to our country.”

In addition to thanking employees for their work, Chilton explained that the purpose of the United States’ nuclear stockpile is to deter and assure — deter those who think striking us wouldn’t be so bad and assure our allies that the U.S. can provide protection. Chilton said our nation has used nuclear weapons as a deterrent every day since they were first fielded. “We have been 100 percent successful,” he noted.

Aside from stressing the importance of a strong nuclear deterrent and the role CNS plays, he peppered his remarks with stories of his days as the commander of STRATCOM, his long and prestigious Air Force career and his service at NASA, where he was on three space shuttle missions: Endeavour (1992), Endeavour (1994) and Atlantis (1996), which he commanded.

Michelle Reichert named Deputy Enterprise Manager; Todd Ailes to manage Pantex Plant

OAK RIDGE, Tenn. – Effective Feb. 15, 2016, Michelle Reichert becomes the Deputy Enterprise Manager for Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC (CNS), reporting directly to CNS President and CEO Morgan Smith. CNS is the managing and operating contractor for two key national security facilities: the Pantex Plant in Amarillo, Texas, and the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge, Tenn.

Operating primarily out of CNS offices at Pantex, Reichert will share leadership responsibilities with Smith, focusing on communications with employees, customers and other key stakeholders. Reichert will also coordinate integration activities between the two sites to ensure they are aligned in the best interest of CNS and the NNSA.

“Michelle possesses a strong understanding of the operations and missions of Pantex and Y-12 after serving in senior management roles at both sites,” Smith said. “She will provide executive level leadership and integration across both sites while ensuring a greater executive presence at Pantex.”

Reichert has 28 years of experience in Department of Energy operations environments. Serving in leadership roles, her responsibilities have included manufacturing operations; environment, safety and health; safeguards and security; emergency management; waste management; and transportation.

At Pantex, in the roles of Site Manager and Deputy General Manager, Reichert oversaw daily operations to sustain a safe, secure and effective nuclear deterrent. She also provided leadership in all aspects of plant operations involving nuclear weapons, plutonium pit storage, high explosives, engineering, safety, security, emergency management, facilities management, quality, environmental protection and general administration.

Previously at Y-12, Reichert served as vice president of environment, safety and health. She was the interpretive authority for environment, safety and health; waste operations; human performance improvement; behavior based safety; and integrated safety management. Also at Y-12, she managed enriched uranium metalworking, production and manufacturing compliance, and she served as the program manager for modernization and as the operations manager of analytical chemistry.

Reichert holds a B.S. in biology/chemistry from Viterbo University in Wisconsin and an M.S. in radiological engineering/health physics from the University of Florida.

In concert, Todd Ailes will succeed Reichert as the Pantex Site Manager where his focus will be on conducting the site’s mission in a safe, secure and quality manner. Pantex is responsible for nuclear weapons surveillance and life extension programs; nuclear weapons dismantlement; the development, testing, and fabrication of high explosive components; and the interim storage and surveillance of plutonium pits.

Since July 2014, Ailes has been the site’s Deputy Manager. He previously led the Pantex Manufacturing Division and the Pantex Quality and Performance Assurance Division. Prior to joining Pantex, he was responsible for production scheduling and manufacturing operations of nuclear weapon components at the Kansas City Plant. He also has 12 years of Naval Nuclear Power operational experience.

“Todd has demonstrated his effectiveness as the Pantex Deputy Site Manager, and is well known and respected by the Pantex workforce,” Smith said. “He possesses extensive experience with Pantex operations and is fully prepared to lead Pantex in its production mission.”

Smith was named CNS CEO last month replacing former CEO Jim Haynes, who took an assignment at the headquarters of Bechtel Corporation.

Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC (CNS) operates the Pantex Plant, located in Amarillo, Texas, and the Y-12 National Security Complex, located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, under a single contract for the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration. Pantex and Y-12 are key facilities in the U.S. Nuclear Security Enterprise, and CNS performs its work with a focus on the performance excellence and the imperatives of safety, security, zero defects and delivery as promised.

For more information on each site, visit www.pantex.energy.gov or www.y12.doe.gov. Follow Pantex on Facebook, X or LinkedIn. Follow Y-12 on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.

CONTACT
Jason Bohne
(865) 241-1400

Pantex Emergency Management just received a giant communications boost with the installation of the Emergency Management Information System, or EMInS. Y 12, the Pantex sister site, has used EMInS for many years. The addition at Pantex brings the two sites closer in their management of emergency events.

Pantex Emergency Services now uses the Emergency Management Information System, or EMInS. From left: Maribel Martinez, Brenda Graham and Greg Roddahl.

“Pantex and Y-12 are required to maintain an Emergency Management Department to oversee activities needed during an emergency that may affect employees, the public or the environment,” said Daniel Gleaves, Emergency Services senior manager at Pantex. “Y-12 has an outstanding Emergency Management Department, and EMInS is one of the primary reasons.”

EMInS is an interactive computer program used to provide real-time information, data, graphics, maps and video capabilities necessary to efficiently manage an emergency. The software provides a structured means of recording emergency information and sharing it among Emergency Response Organization cadre members.

Maribel Martinez, Emergency Management Program section manager said, “The implementation of EMInS at Pantex starts the integration of resources, datasets and information throughout Pantex and Y-12. These improvements are designed to enhance coordination efforts. It is a tool our ERO can use to ensure constant situational awareness and helps to create a common operating picture to improve our operations and information processes to ensure the safety of our employees and our neighbors.”

The Pantex EM team works closely with its National Nuclear Security Administration counterparts to continuously revitalize the ERO.

Gleaves said, “We continually review our plans to look for improvement opportunities. EMInS is one of those opportunities. Using this system will allow us to communicate all issues involved in an emergency. Team members can discuss specific issues on private team boards or submit updates, questions or suggested media facts to appropriate EMInS users.”

A phased implementation of EMInS capabilities will allow state and local agencies some access to the system. These agencies participate in Pantex drills and exercises and would respond in the event of a real emergency. EMInS will help in coordination of response efforts and information flow; this will improve communication and performance.

“We recently provided EMInS training to members of the ERO team followed by a drill.” Gleaves said. “We were very pleased with the outcome and look forward to showing how the software enhances our performance during upcoming drills and exercises,” he added.

Morgan Smith named President and CEO

​OAK RIDGE, Tenn. – Effective Feb. 1, 2016, Morgan Smith will become the President and CEO of Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC. Smith succeeds Jim Haynes, who returns to an executive position at Bechtel after successfully leading CNS through its first phase as a consolidated organization. As President and CEO, Smith will be responsible for the management and operations of the Pantex Plant and the Y-12 National Security Complex, key production facilities in the U.S. Nuclear Security Enterprise.

“With the majority of key consolidation activities complete, CNS moves to its next phase focused on advancing operational performance and increasing production,” Haynes said. “Morgan Smith is uniquely positioned to lead CNS at this time based on his past experience managing Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program facilities and his time at CNS. Morgan and I have mapped out the path for a successful handoff. I could not be more confident in Morgan’s abilities.”

Smith, who has been the CNS COO since the company took over management of Pantex and Y-12 on July 1, 2014, has 38 years of technical and managerial experience. Prior to coming to CNS, he was instrumental in planning and implementing the consolidation of Bettis and Knolls Atomic Power Laboratories into a single organization run by Bechtel Marine Propulsion Corporation. As general manager of Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory from 2009 through mid-2014, Smith directly managed the lab and co-managed BMPC—scope that included 7,000 employees and nearly $2 billion worth of work across five sites.

“I have great respect for the work performed by the dedicated employees of Pantex and Y-12—work that our great nation and her allies rely upon,” Smith said. “I am committed to delivering the safety, security, quality and overall excellence that our country requires as we execute our important mission for the country. I also look forward to continuing the great relationships Jim Haynes developed with the communities of Amarillo and Oak Ridge and throughout the Texas Panhandle and East Tennessee.”

Haynes arrived at Y-12 from Bechtel in 2011, first serving as deputy general manager under the previous operating contractor. He became the first CNS President and CEO at the start of contract transition in early 2014. He is recognized as a leader in managing large organizations during times of consolidation and structural change and where safety is paramount.

“Jim Haynes led CNS through one of the most challenging transitions in NNSA history, joining two sites into one unified enterprise,” said CNS Chairman of the Board Craig Albert. “Under Jim, CNS faced the challenges of consolidation head on and met key mission deliverables and milestones, improved project performance, and helped establish a strong capital project pipeline. CNS has developed a strong foundation with common goals, values and daily absolutes. He leaves CNS well positioned to meet the growing demands for providing global security and national defense well into the future.”

Haynes will remain with CNS through the end of January to complete the transition of duties to Smith before beginning his new role with Bechtel on Feb. 1.

Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC (CNS) operates the Pantex Plant, located in Amarillo, Texas, and the Y-12 National Security Complex, located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, under a single contract for the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration. Pantex and Y-12 are key facilities in the U.S. Nuclear Security Enterprise, and CNS performs its work with a focus on the performance excellence and the imperatives of safety, security, zero defects and delivery as promised.

For more information on each site, visit www.pantex.energy.gov or www.y12.doe.gov. Follow Pantex on Facebook, X or LinkedIn. Follow Y-12 on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.

CONTACT
Jason Bohne
(865) 241-1400

Funds distributed though Amarillo Area Foundation

AMARILLO, Texas - Charitable organizations from across the Texas Panhandle are invited to apply for grants from the Pantex Community Investment Fund established by Consolidated Nuclear Security (CNS).

CNS, responsible for management and operations at the Pantex Plant, has established the fund through the Amarillo Area Foundation as part of its commitment to Amarillo and surrounding communities. A Pantex Community Investment Advisory Committee was formed by selecting site employees to work with CNS and the Foundation to allocate grants where the need is greatest and company resources can be best allocated.

The Advisory Committee identified the following funding preferences and priorities for grants:

• Basic Needs (Food, Clothing, and Shelter)
• Children, Youth, and Family
• Community Development
• Education
• Financial Literacy
• Health and Wellness

Organizations who fit the eligibility requirements and whose work aligns with the funding priorities are encouraged to participate in the competitive application process. Applications are available online at aaf.spectrum.net and are due February 12, 2016, by noon.

The Advisory Committee for the CNS Pantex Community Investment Fund will entertain proposals from nonprofit and charitable institutions throughout the 26 northernmost counties in the Texas Panhandle (individuals and non-charitable organizations are not eligible). Priority will be given to proposals from organizations located and operating in twelve contiguous counties surrounding the Pantex Plant, which includes Armstrong, Carson, Deaf Smith, Donley, Gray, Hall, Hutchinson, Moore, Oldham, Potter, Randall and Swisher.

Grant amounts will range from $500 to $10,000 with grantees announced in late March. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations or other exempt entities, such as public schools and governments or municipalities. Training for the online Spectrum system will be held Wednesday, January 13 from 1:30-2:30 p.m. and again on Tuesday, February 9, from 9-10 a.m. To register for the training visit: http://bit.ly/1L00BJi.

For registration questions, please contact Roxann Ball, AAF Program Officer, at (806) 376-4521 or roxann@aaf-hf.org. Questions about eligibility or the grant process, please contact Kathie Grant, AAF Grants Administrator, at (806) 376-4521 or kathie@aaf-hf.org. For questions about grant priorities, please contact Jessica Tudyk, AAF Grants Manager, at (806) 376-4521 or jessica@aaf-hf.org.

Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC (CNS) operates the Pantex Plant, located in Amarillo, Texas, and the Y-12 National Security Complex, located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, under a single contract for the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration. Pantex and Y-12 are key facilities in the U.S. Nuclear Security Enterprise, and CNS performs its work with a focus on the performance excellence and the imperatives of safety, security, zero defects and delivery as promised.

For more information on each site, visit www.pantex.energy.gov or www.y12.doe.gov. Follow Pantex on Facebook, X or LinkedIn. Follow Y-12 on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.

About the Amarillo Area Foundation
The Amarillo Area Foundation is a community foundation that serves the northernmost 26 counties of the Texas Panhandle. The Foundation's mission is to improve the quality of life in the Texas Panhandle. Since its inception in 1957, the Foundation has provided grants and a variety of other services to strengthen nonprofit organizations and the services they deliver.

A recent Pantex volunteer event wasn’t as easy as 1-2-3 because convincing students that math is a useful skill is difficult, but Pantexans Dee and Scott Weaver were up for the task. The couple led a team of Pantex employees to help about 40 students at the High Plains Children’s Home gain a better understanding of math. Other Pantexans on the team included Laureen Kelly, Tamara Schaef and Leticia Rodriguez. The Weaver’s grandsons, Weston and Ryder, also attended.

“Sometimes it is difficult for students to recognize how much math is used daily,” said Dee Weaver. “When you start looking, math is all around us.” To prove this point, Scott Weaver, a beekeeper, presented “Beekeeping by the Numbers.”

“The kids were fascinated by the information about bees,” Dee said. “It emphasized that math is found in nature in many different ways – from the shape of the honeycomb chambers to the distance a bee will fly to and from the hive.”

At the end of the day, the teams presented graphing calculators to three high school students. “The calculators will help them with their homework and help them stay up with their classmates,” Dee said. “It is one less hurdle they have to overcome to help them be successful in the higher‑level math classes.”

Pantex Fire Chief Mike Brock (left) and Battalion Chief Scott Johnson recently completed the Fire Service Chief Executive Officer program offered at Texas A&M University.

For emergency personnel and first responders, constant training is just one facet of the job that is partnered with their daily duties, and it’s no different for Pantex Fire Chief Mike Brock and Battalion Chief Scott Johnson. They both recently attended the Fire Service Chief Executive Officer (FSCEO) program offered at Texas A&M University, through its Texas Engineering Extension Service (TEEX).

A new professional development capstone program for senior chief officers, the FSCEO program, is designed for executives within the fire service.

“The FSCEO course is an excellent way to tie together the information from the Fire Officer 1–4 courses. The instructors from Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School included the most current management and leadership information and challenged the class to apply it to our positions. This was also an excellent chance to attend training with other fire service leaders and discuss the challenges of leading,” according to Chief Mike Brock.

Battalion Chief Scott Johnson noted: “Being in the Fire and EMS services for over 35 years, I have had the opportunity to participate in a number of nationally recognized training programs and attend National Fire Academy courses throughout my career. The Fire Service Chief Executive Officer course has been the highlight of them all. The knowledge of the instructors, course content and ability to network with other leaders in the fire service and pick their intellects about today’s trends in the fire service constituted an excellent value not only for me but for my firefighters. I would highly recommend it to all CNS fire department chiefs.”

Chiefs Brock and Johnson also learned about creativity and innovation, managing change and transition, media relations and stress management. Upon completion of the program, they both received FSCEO certification from TEEX and Texas A&M University.

OAK RIDGE, Tenn. – 260 employees at the Pantex Plant and the Y-12 National Security Complex received National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Defense Programs Awards of Excellence at an annual ceremony held recently at the respective sites. The recipients were recognized at the sites by members of site management as well as Steve Goodrum, NNSA Assistant Deputy Administrator for Stockpile Management at NNSA Headquarters in Washington, D.C.

“I find it an honor to come out and represent Defense Programs,” Goodrum said. ”You do incredible and important work. I noticed the sign at the entrance today said ‘The Front Line of Global Security,’ and I want you to know that each and every part of these jobs being done contributes to the meaning of that sign.”

The awards are given annually to recognize significant achievements in quality, productivity, cost savings, safety or creativity in support of NNSA and the Nuclear Security Enterprise.

Geoff Beausoleil, NNSA Production Office manager, said: “I thoroughly enjoy being a part of the Defense Program awards ceremonies as they serve to display the amazing technical and engineering capabilities and know-how that exist at both sites. Your work sets the standard for nuclear weapons production. I encourage you to keep raising the bar.”

Teams and individual contributors were recognized for their contributions to several Defense Programs projects, including assembly and disassembly efforts, deinventory of materials, and design and engineering teams.

Established by NNSA in 1982, the Defense Programs Awards of Excellence recognize significant individual and team accomplishments across the Nuclear Security Enterprise in support of NNSA’s nuclear weapons modernization program.

Pantex and Y-12 are operated by Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC (CNS). CNS operates Y-12 and the Pantex Plant, Amarillo, Texas, under a single contract for NNSA, with a focus on the absolute priorities of safety, security, quality, mission delivery and cost efficiency. CNS member companies include Bechtel National, Inc., Lockheed Martin, ATK Launch Services, and SOC, with Booz Allen Hamilton as a teaming subcontractor.

Established by Congress in 2000, NNSA is a semi-autonomous agency within the U.S. Department of Energy responsible for enhancing national security through the military application of nuclear science. NNSA maintains and enhances the safety, security, and effectiveness of the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile without explosive nuclear testing; works to reduce the global danger from weapons of mass destruction; provides the U.S. Navy with safe and effective nuclear propulsion; and responds to nuclear and radiological emergencies in the U.S. and abroad. NNSA homepage: http://www.nnsa.energy.gov/index.htm

CONTACT
Steven Wyatt
NNSA Production Office
Public Affairs
Office (865) 576-9918

$75,000 check presented for 2015 Campaign

AMARILLO, Texas - Consolidated Nuclear Security, the management and operations contractor at the Pantex Plant, recently presented a $75,000 donation to the United Way of Amarillo and Canyon at the United Way Offices.

Pantex employees have been longtime and active supporters of United Way, with donations from Pantexans going to meet the needs of our community and making a positive impact on the lives of the people in the Texas Panhandle.

“Pantexans have always shown support for the numerous civic and non-profit organizations that serve the people of the Panhandle. The United Way has always been one of the top organizations to receive our combined support and I expect the same thing again for the 2015 campaign. I hope that every Pantexan feels a part of this donation to the United Way and the services provided across the region,” said CNS Vice President and Pantex Site Manager Michelle Reichert.

Pantex treated employees at the United Way to lunch as Reichert presented the check to the United Way’s Executive Director, Katie Noffsker.

“The United Way of Amarillo & Canyon are very grateful for Pantex and all they do in our community. We value our partnership with Pantex and are appreciative of their financial and volunteer support of United Way," Noffsker said.

The donation from CNS will add to the generous pledges by Pantex employees to United Way as part of the 2015 campaign, with the final total to be released in early March.

Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC (CNS) operates the Pantex Plant, located in Amarillo, Texas, and the Y-12 National Security Complex, located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, under a single contract for the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration. Pantex and Y-12 are key facilities in the U.S. Nuclear Security Enterprise, and CNS performs its work with a focus on the performance excellence and the imperatives of safety, security, zero defects and delivery as promised.

For more information on each site, visit www.pantex.energy.gov or www.y12.doe.gov. Follow Pantex on Facebook, X or LinkedIn. Follow Y-12 on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.

CONTACT
Steve Myers
Public Affairs
Office (806) 573.0490
Stephen.Myers@pantex.doe.gov

Consolidated Nuclear Security served as a corporate sponsor during the High Plains Food Bank’s Together We Can food drive Dec. 7-12, providing 16,000 meals, which helped surpass the food bank’s 500,000 meal goal. Pantex volunteers also sorted food donations at the drive on Wednesday, Dec. 9, and others delivered monetary and food donations.

“Pantexans are kind and generous people,” said Laura Bailey, Pantexan and High Plains Food Bank board member. “We asked for volunteers and were flooded with folks who wanted to help. It was a great turnout.”

“As a sponsor, CNS had the opportunity to recognize our employees who do so much for the food bank, raise awareness about the good work performed by the food bank, and thank everyone in the community for their support during the food drive,” Bailey said.

Over the last few months, Pantex has donated $10,000 to the High Plains Food Bank’s Kids Café program and, joined forces with the Metal Trades Council for a donation of $3,250 for general use.

“CNS and MTC’s donations show that the company and employees support the Amarillo area and understand that the basic needs are the most important,” Bailey said. “Hunger kills productivity and potential. Providing food helps people in our community to be healthy, active and more alert. This is especially necessary for children, who need to focus on schoolwork so that they can grow to be healthy, productive adults.”

The High Plains Food Bank reports that the Together We Can food drive received donations for more than 725,000 meals. That will be a huge help because this past year has been particularly difficult, Bailey said. Requests for support have increased, but donations have decreased. Unfortunately, the need in the area is so great that these donations will be distributed within the next few months, she added.

“But I know Pantexans will once again offer to help. That is kind of who we are – Pantexans,” Bailey said.